Prince Red

Have not played with this model of shuttlecock before.

Found the sample at one of the halls I frequent.

Initial impressions are flimsy rib structure. Quality seem more alike the budget shuttlecocks.

Xzile RF-X2 and X3 (***Update***)

Have not use the following before and including for documentation purposes.

31May2015

Just tried the RF-3 today and must say it is a terribly overpriced product which does not deserve $25 per tube!!!

We were playing a friendly game where say 40-45% of the shots were smashes - required atleast 4 to complete a set???? We played a few sets ...

Only pro is it does not slow down as quickly as the Sintec shuttles.

Victor Gold

Not used before and adding for documentation.

Protech Silver (SG)

Have not played with the following and found the sample in one of the badminton halls I frequent.

The Protech Silver is unique to Singapore - as per PT-10, PT-20.

Enclosure for documentation purposes.

Li-Ning A+62 XD

Tried the below with a different group and could not honestly tell the difference with the Li-Ning Grandprix Gold.

All I will say is that the shuttlecock was good only for 2 above average smashes before it has to be replace. 

Both of the Li-Ning shuttlecocks were light-tish and not very durable. Flight characteristics were passable only.

Video of how shuttlecocks are manufactured - By RSL via YouTube

Protech Platinum Edition

The Protech Platinum edition is sold with a black tube in a black box (matching colours right?)

It is one of the more expensive shuttles from their lineup.

How does it fare?

The shuttle feels lighter than the WorldClass but with better flight characteristics.  Speed DOES NOT change drastically ... even after heavy smashes.

Feedback from my regulars include good flight characteristics and the nice crisp feeling when hitting the shuttle.

Bad news is that atleast 2 shuttles are required for a heavy smashing game as the feathers tend to be give way after a bit of abuse.

Oh well ... can't win them all!

RCL Super Top

As promised, Mr Ang of RCL sent the following tube of RCL Super Top along for review with the RCL Black No1.

Tube colours

Shuttle cost lower and is lighter than the Black No1. Looks a bit more fragile as well.

From the next pix, you can see the cork structure is the same for the Super Top and the Black No1. Hence the difference in price reflects the quality of feathers used.

Black No1 (RHS) and Super Top (LHS)

How does the Super Top fare?

As per reflected from the cost difference, feather quality of the Super Top is below that of the Black No1. 

We tried 2 shuttles and initial impressions was ok ... until we started smashing. We used 2 Super Top shuttles and both had a feather snap after being smashed hard twice - quite evident from the the last (and large) pix below. Hence the Super Top was not suitable for my group of smash-happy players.

Feedback from another group I provided samples of the Super Top to ... the shuttle a bit fast.

My conclusion is the Super Top would be suitable for players who are beginners or social players, rather than competitive players.

Rear view of both shuttles

Close-up of one of the used Super Top shuttle